I was recently on a trip to New York City and I was blown away by the skyline.  Being from San Diego, I was taken back by all the buildings that are as high as 1,776 feet tall.  For point of reference, the highest building in San Diego is only 500 feet tall.

Additionally, the sheer number of high rises is incredible to see, especially at night, as there are over 7,000 buildings that are deemed to be a high rise (i.e., more than 115 feet tall).

Finally, the architectural beauty of the buildings is something to behold. The older buildings are so stately looking in their columns and ornate designs, and the new buildings are amazing feats of engineering, with massive sheets of glass and gravity-defying angles and shapes.

As I reflected on the amount of effort that it has taken to build one of the greatest cities on earth, I was reminded that what God has made is infinitely more impressive than New York City.

In terms of the size of God’s creation, a skyscraper over 1,700 tall is nothing compared to the biggest known star, UY Scuti, which could hold approximately 5 billion of our suns!

While 7,000 high rise buildings seems like a lot, there are estimates that over 100 billion galaxies exist; but who knows exactly, since we don't even know where the universe ends!

In regard to beauty and splendor, what can man build that can compare to the beauty of a sunset, or the tranquility of the moon and stars at night?  As for detail, how is it that no two fingerprints or two snowflakes are the same!

As I thought recently about New York City and then how much greater God is as the creator of the universe, I was reminded that God is so much bigger than our problems and challenges.

I’m not trying to imply that the challenges of life are insignificant.  For most, life can be incredibly challenging with the loss of loved ones, divorce, difficult relationships, sickness, getting old, wayward children, and unemployment to name just a few.  And for some, life can have unimaginable challenges such as going hungry or being abused, kidnapped, raped, trafficked and the list sadly goes on.  Those challenges are real and most definitely are imposing, kind of like how the Empire State building felt imposing to me when I looked up at it from the street below.

However, the God that created the whole universe, from massive stars to unique snowflakes, is more than capable to help us in whatever struggles and challenges we face in life.  He asks us to bring everything to Him and to pray without ceasing. We don’t have to make an appointment with God to pray, we can never run out of time-slots to pray with God.

He is never overwhelmed or worried about anything we ask, He does not get stressed out. He remembers every one of our prayer’s, no matter how small.  Suffice to say, God wants to hear from us and he wants us to unload our problems on him.

Although God often doesn’t answer prayers in the way we may want, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).”

So whatever is causing you worry or stress, remember that as a child of God, we are blessed to have a heavenly Father who is “big” enough to handle any problem or challenge that we have, and He will eventually take care of everything for us, perhaps not fully in this life, but most definitely in Heaven.

- by Brett Sipes, HCS Board Member

5 year planThe buzz in the Del Cerro Baptist Church fellowship hall from Tuesday, January 16 still resonates deeply within me. As we unveiled Heritage Christian School's ambitious 5-year plan, "Better Before Bigger," at the annual State of the School meeting, I witnessed a wave of excitement and unity that I have not seen in a long time. This plan provides a roadmap for strengthening our HCS community of families and your positive response has not only been comforting but also fundamental in shaping the future of our beloved school.

"Better Before Bigger" is not just an ambitious roadmap; it reinforces the values that define us. It is a commitment to nurturing the spiritual roots of our children before we expand their branches.

An Invitation to Prayer

In that spirit, I feel like God has put it on my heart to invite you to join me and the school’s leadership team in a humble call to prayer and, if you feel the nudge, a period of fasting. What is fasting you may ask? Fasting isn't a legalistic measure, but rather a Christian discipline for centuries. It involves relinquishing something significant, be it food, electronics, or other distractions, to focus our thoughts on God, inviting His wisdom and guidance into our endeavors, and ultimately drawing us closer to Him. Matthew 6: 16-18 tells us, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Fun fact.. fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible! For example, there is the Daniel Fast which is a type of partial fasting that involves abstaining from certain foods, such as meat, wine, and delicacies, and eating only vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and water. Daniel and his friends practiced this fast for 10 days to demonstrate their faithfulness to God and to avoid defiling themselves with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8-16). Additionally, there is the Esther Fast which is a type of absolute fasting that involves abstaining from both food and water for three days and nights. Esther and the Jews in Susa practiced this fast before she approached the king to plead for the deliverance of her people from Haman’s plot. As we embark on the path laid out in our 5-year plan, let our collective prayers be the cornerstone of its success.

 

A Call to Action

As we pray, a call to action beckons as well. Moving forward, we seek your active participation. We are in search of dedicated volunteers to serve on one of the six committees responsible for executing the various facets of our plan. The six functional areas of our plan cover campus facility procurement, marketing strategies, sports clubs development, volunteer and alumni network growth, college and real-world preparation and training, and resources for special needs children and financial assistance. By concentrating our efforts on these vital areas, we aim to solidify our position as the premier Christian homeschool organization in San Diego. Whether you have experience in education, finance, marketing, or simply a heart overflowing with love for our community, there's a place for you on one of our six committees. Your contribution will be invaluable as we work towards the realization of our goals.

 

These are not mere tasks, but threads in a divine tapestry, woven together by the hands of dedicated volunteers. Your individual voice, and your unique gifts, are going to be the lifeblood of this plan! Keep your eyes open for more information that will be coming out in the next couple of months advertising a 5-year plan rollout meeting that we expect to have in May 2024.

As we embark on this journey, let's walk with eyes fixed on the horizon, hands held in prayer, and hearts brimming with unity. We will be the living testaments to our 5-year plan’s motto, "Better Before Bigger," and show the world what it means to build a future rooted in faith, fueled by collaboration, and guided by the unwavering light of God's love.

The prospect of what we can achieve together is both exciting and boundless! As we take these steps forward, let these words from Matthew 7:7 echo in our hearts:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Let the asking begin. Let the seeking commence. Let us knock with unity, with fervor, and with unwavering faith. Together, we will unlock a future as bright as your children's smiles, as strong as our shared values, and as boundless as God's grace.

May God bless and guide us every step of the way. Onward, united in faith, together

 

by Marc Crawford, HCS Chairman

Amid the festive hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, hope emerges as a timeless and transformative theme, resonating through the ages. It is more than a seasonal sentiment; it's a profound reflection of the enduring message that Christmas embodies.

The Christmas story, as told in the Gospels, unfolds with a promise that kindles hope. The angel's proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 brings forth this assurance: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people" (NIV). The birth of Jesus marks a pivotal moment in history, heralding hope as a gift for all humanity.

The nativity scene, with Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Christ, encapsulates the essence of hope. The anticipation of the Messiah, foretold in Old Testament prophecies, converges into a reality that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. In Isaiah 9:6, the promise of hope is beautifully expressed: "For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (NIV).

Beyond the twinkling lights and joyous carols, Christmas reminds us to anchor our hope in something beyond the tangible. Romans 15:13 echoes this sentiment: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (NIV). This verse encourages believers to find true and lasting hope in a relationship with the Divine, radiating joy and peace.

The act of gift-giving during Christmas mirrors the ultimate gift of hope bestowed upon humanity through Christ. As we exchange presents, we reflect on the immeasurable grace and love that underpin the season. James 1:17 beautifully captures this idea: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (NIV).

In a world often filled with uncertainties, the Christmas season becomes a sanctuary of hope—a reminder that, despite challenges, a light has dawned. This light, foretold by prophets and celebrated through traditions, illuminates our hearts with the assurance that, in Christ, we find hope that surpasses circumstances.

As we gather with loved ones, partake in festive traditions, and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, let hope be the guiding light that transforms the season from a temporal celebration into a profound spiritual experience. May the hope born in a humble manger resonate in our hearts, bringing joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose as we embrace the true spirit of Christmas.

 

by Leo Acosta, HCS Board of Directors

The holidays are upon us!  Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of my favorite holidays but if you are like me, they can also be a source of great stress and anxiety.  In the current economic conditions, the extra costs for the season can lead to some un-festively hard times.

Paul was a man who was acquainted with hard times as he was no stranger to suffering, imprisonment, and even torture. If anyone had an excuse to have a negative attitude it would have been Paul.  But somehow Paul manages to sidestep anxiety, fear, and despair.  How does he do it, and more importantly how can we have this ability as we venture into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season? Paul gives us a glimpse into his attitude in 1st Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

How do you start your day? If you are like me I often wake up with the worries or concerns of the day. The seemingly endless to-do lists, the stresses of work, family, and finances often are an unwelcome flood of thoughts that greets us every morning.  But then about a year ago, something changed.  I began my morning by thinking about everything for which I was thankful.  My wife, my son, my house, my car, my bed with the memory foam topper. The block of cheese in my fridge, the church I get to pastor.  After a long list of things that I thank God for in prayer, I have found that my whole day had changed.  The stressors were still there, but somehow they didn’t seem as big.  It was as if I had so much to be thankful for that everything else just faded into the background.  My attitude guided by Paul’s advice changed the quality of my life.

Paul was big on focusing on the positive, even when in prison he writes in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  If you want a better day, even a better life it begins with an attitude of gratitude.  I encourage you to share this practice of beginning your devotional time in the morning with a time of giving thanks with your children and your spouse. It can and will change your life.

 

by Pastor Eric Maggio, HCS Board of Directors

Homeschooling offers many advantages, such as personalized instruction and flexibility in curriculum, but it also presents its fair share of challenges. I feel it is safe to assume that we have all experienced a challenge or two, or 50, with homeschooling our kids.  I am a public-school teacher and I thought I would take an impromptu poll among my colleagues to list the 3 most common deterrents to student learning.  We all teach students and are actively compiling lists of what works and doesn’t work, yet at the same time acknowledging that each learner is different.  As teachers, we need to adjust to the student in order to climb the educational mountain of success. It’s my prayer that reading about these commonalities from public education teachers will help encourage you as educators. 

Students can have a hard time connecting the “why” to their learning.

If the students don’t understand and accept “why” they are learning something, they will not buy into the lesson and will more than likely not be working to their full potential.  This often causes students to:

-          act out in order to focus your attention on behavior rather than their inability to understand and complete an assignment

-          become sleepy because they have given up on the task and physically become tired

-          and/or show defiance in an effort to undermine the assignment and be the boss of their emotions      

Adults often can identify the “why” because of our life experiences.  Our students don’t yet have those same experiences and will need more nurturing, patience, and understanding until they see the meaningfulness of a lesson that matches where they are at in life. Help nurture their understanding of the “why”, and see the positive shift that takes place in their learning.

Meet the students where they are at, and not where you expect them to be.

Allissa and I started our homeschool journey as educators and we thought our kids would have an upper hand thanks to our background. Allissa has a multiple subjects teaching credential and knows the learning benchmarks when she taught in public and private schools, but in some subjects our kids are not where we expected them to be.  With every student comes a different style and speed of learning.  Some take repetitions upon repetitions to remember simple math facts, while others hear it once and they retain it forever. It is important to meet each student where they are at, even if it means relearning concepts and going slower than you think you should be going.

 Pause for understanding, even if it takes a while for your kid to answer.

When you ask a question, pause, and wait for your child to attempt an answer.  This is a very important and easy action to implement in your teaching. Too often we don’t wait long enough for our student(s) to attempt an answer as they process the question.  When we give a hint or even answer the question, the student’s brain is being trained to think that if they don’t say anything, their teacher will help them out and answer it for them.  What we need to do, and I encourage everyone reading this to try, is pause and wait for your student to try and answer the question.  You may have to ask the question again but be sure to encouragingly wait for their response.  This allows the student to mentally struggle, to hit an appropriate wall in learning, and then to break through that wall and go out of their comfort zone to vocalize an answer.  I encourage everyone to try this today.  In my career, it has proven to be a positive attribute to the classroom and students begin to engage in learning now that they have been challenged and their worst fears of not knowing the answer didn’t come true.

I appreciate every one of you that has chosen to educate your kids at home.  It’s a call that you have answered, and you are charging through the joys, fun, frustrations, unmet expectations, and mental challenges of being your child’s teacher.  Thank you for what you do every day.  Remember to ask the Lord for help, strength, guidance, and wisdom as you continue to educate your child.  I encourage you to find comfort in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

by Jake Womack, HCS Board Member

 

The flight delays. The sick child. The front-row parking spot at the grocery store when you’re in a hurry. The catered lunch at the office when you didn’t have time to make lunch. The message at church that spoke directly to your need. The person who called and invited you to lunch. The unexpected extra 10 minutes in the car all by yourself. The song that came on the radio as you were driving frantically to your doctor’s appointment.

These are just a short list to summarize the long list of circumstances we encounter in any given day. God’s Word is clear and makes no mistakes. He says to give thanks in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. Fortunately or unfortunately, all means all. We get to ask God for his eyes to see our circumstances and thank Him in all of them. Regardless of how we feel about our circumstances or the impact those circumstances are making on our lives, we get to thank Him for them. We have no idea how these circumstances are shaping us, protecting us or pointing us to Jesus. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Start today. Start thanking the Lord for the very thing that’s keeping you from thanking Him. When we are aware of all of our circumstances and we bring Jesus into them (all of them), it allows us to have compassion which is critical for us so that we may be available for those who are hurt or suffering through the same situations. This extra focus can bring more compassion and unity to our HCS Family.

 

by: Kent Goble, HCS Vice Chairman

How do you currently prioritize rest in your homeschooling routine? If you are able to squeeze rest into your routine, what challenges do you face when it comes to finding a balance between work and rest? I know it is a significant challenge for my family. Between work, academics, extra-curricular activities, serving at church, and just being a parent; it is extremely challenging to find time to rest.

As homeschool parents, it is easy to want to do as much as we possibly can. Additionally, with the many opportunities Heritage Christian School offers, it is very tempting to try and be a part of everything! It’s only natural to fall into the trap of becoming so busy, we feel as if we have nothing left to give. As we approach the end of the school year, I think it is important to reflect on the significance of taking time to rest and recharge, both for ourselves and our families. By embracing rest, celebrating milestones, and recharging together, we can cultivate a nurturing path of homeschooling rooted in our faith and God’s wisdom. For our graduating HCS Seniors, this juncture signifies the culmination of their homeschooling years and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Let’s encourage them to embrace rest as a time of reflection, allowing them to discern their passions, talents, and God's calling for their lives so they can confidently step into the next phase of their lives.

We are often driven by a deep passion for our children's education and spiritual growth. However, by intentionally taking breaks and embracing rest, we acknowledge our need for balance and renewal. The truth is we cannot do it all. If we stretch ourselves as far as we possibly can for too long, we become a ticking time bomb of crippling exhaustion. My pastor once gave the analogy of two men chopping down trees. The first man stops after every five trees to sharpen his axe and the second man only stops after every fifty trees. Even though the second man starts off cutting down more trees than the first, over time the first man passes the second because he is chopping more efficiently. Eventually, the second man slows down because he has not taken the time to sharpen his axe. Making rest a priority helps our future selves, no matter what our future selves will be doing. Christian writer, Corrie ten Boom once said, “If the devil cannot make us bad, he’ll make us busy.” Sooner or later our constant schedules will catch up with us. Even when our plans are made with the best of intentions, the ends may not justify the means. We must turn to rest to cure our feelings of overwhelm.

What does rest look like for busy homeschool families? Finding the time for rest is only half the battle, finding how we recharge the best is the second half. Different people have different ideas of rest. Many parents of little ones may hear “rest” and think “sleep.” However, rest can take a variety of forms. Your kids and spouse most likely rest differently than you do. If longer naptimes or going to bed an hour early will give your family a significant amount of peace, take that solution. Additionally, rest can be found in many activities too. Some people rest through coloring and painting, some rest in reading a good book, others rest in hiking and running, or even playing music. Prayer can also be restful. Personally, I rest through exercise and quiet time when I can read and pray. Exercise allows me to de-stress, whereas quiet time allows me to focus without distractions. I encourage you to let God work through you as you rest. Perhaps you may know the quote from St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Rest in the Lord as you recharge. Our rest should be intentional and regular, not a last resort.

When we allow time for rest, we also allow God to replenish us, grant us wisdom, and guide our educational journey with grace. Consider the impact of rest on your own well-being and the well-being of your children. How does rest contribute to a more positive and fulfilling homeschooling experience? Imagine if you are a water pitcher and you are pouring out your water to your family and your obligations, but do not take the time to refill the pitcher, eventually you will become empty. WE CANNOT GIVE WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE OURSELVES! I know for me there is a direct correlation between my “cup of grace” and how much rest I have taken. Let’s just say my cup runneth empty quicker if I have not taken the necessary time to recharge. Just as our bodies need adequate rest to function optimally, our minds require periods of rejuvenation to foster creativity, critical thinking, and spiritual growth.

This school year is quickly coming to a close. As we finish this chapter and prepare for what’s next, I encourage you to prioritize the importance of rest and embrace the blessings it brings. We were made to take time to rest, not to be machines that never stop.

Jesus’ profound words in Matthew 11:28 ring true, for in them lies a key ingredient to a fulfilling homeschooling experience: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." As we entrust our homeschooling experience to Him, may He grant us the wisdom, strength, and inspiration needed to continue nurturing our children's hearts and minds through this remarkable voyage of education and faith.

 

by Marc Crawford, HCS Board of Directors Chairman

Greetings HCS Families.

I hope that every HCS family had a beautiful celebration of the most amazing day in our world’s history - Easter Sunday. Even though we embrace the promise of salvation and the feelings of renewal, many of our HCS families still are in the midst of difficult trials or right in the middle of intense suffering. The Bible tells us that our suffering is neither pointless nor isolated. Somehow, Jesus’ sufferings overflow into our lives; somehow our sufferings are linked to HIS. This is a great honor for followers of Christ. It grants our sorrows an incredible dignity while inviting us to know an intimacy and connection with Jesus in them (sorrows) and because of them (sorrows). The sufferings of Jesus are the noblest part of HIS life: the cross, the crown of thorns, the scourging. What an unspeakable honor that HE would share even with us. This fellowship is not easy to recognize or be aware of because we become overwhelmed with all that comes with suffering.

When HIS suffering overflows into our lives, God’s promise is that His comfort will overflow to us as well. We can cry out for the comfort of God. Whatever your circumstance is or will be, HE will heal your wounded heart; HE will comfort you. Cling to him; hold on to Jesus.

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8). He is with you now, for His name is Faithful and True. Whether you have lost a loved one, been faced with a blind-sided sickness or confronted with any other type of attack created by the enemy of our soul, Jesus will meet us and share in our suffering. We simply need to allow HIM access.

 

by Kent Goble, HCS Board of Directors Vice Chairman

Just to be clear, ChatGPT can do your homework for you on almost any topic, it can totally pass, up through a sophomore year in college. It could pass almost any test on any subject.” - Andy Crouch.

I didn’t really care for school when I was growing up. My priorities were surfing, working (to pay for gas and surf wax), friends, youth group, and lastly school, a distant fifth place.

In my 10th grade sociology class, the teacher started each class period with a quiz from from the previous day’s reading assignment. Like clockwork, the teacher would stand at a lectern with the grading sheet in hand and gives us a couple minutes to complete the quiz. We would trade quizzes and she would read out the answers as we graded each other. One class period she started the quiz and unexpectedly left the classroom, leaving us with the instruction to finish the quiz and she would be right back. Within seconds of the teacher leaving, the murmuring in the class began. “What is number 4?” “Is number 6, A or C?” I think we all scored pretty well on that quiz.

The next day in class, the teacher began by showing a video. The video was of us! She had secretly put one of those old VHS video recorders in the back corner of the class room and filmed each of her six classes taking the quiz after she had left the room. We were mortified! There we were, all high-fiving and celebrating that we aced the quiz and pulled it off before our teacher returned. It turns out the quiz didn’t count because she was teaching us a lesson about the social pressures to cheat in school and how people engage in cheating. We all felt bad for cheating, but mostly because we had been caught.

Today, cheating has become easier than ever, especially with the introduction of artificial intelligence, or A.I, and even more specifically, ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a language-specific “artificial intelligence” that was recently opened to the public in December.

I recently listened to an insightful podcast titled “The Spirituality of ChatGPT,” hosted by Curtis Chang with guest Andy Crouch; it is linked below in case you would like to listen to it. In the podcast, Andy Crouch gives this startling perspective of ChatGPT as it could potentially play out in education. He says, “just to be clear, ChatGPT can do your homework for you on almost any topic, it can totally pass, up through a sophomore year in college. It could pass almost any test on any subject.” Here’s hoping your students haven’t heard this! Better yet, let us pray they will rise to this new occasion to live with integrity.

Many students have started using ChatGPT to complete their homework assignments. I recently saw a video of a student using their 3D printer to hold a pen and “hand write” an essay that was composed entirely by ChatGPT. All this to get a good grade, avoiding to have to do the work, for a teacher who might not even care, as long as they turn in the assignment. There is also talk of a newer and more advanced artificial intelligence that will write your paper, quote sources correctly, and create a bibliography.

Is this a concern for us as Christian homeschoolers?

An important aspect of education is the formation of our children’s hearts and minds. As homeschoolers, we have an even greater opportunity to truly engage our kids in learning and help them grow in character. Learning is not just checking boxes, or even simply adding knowledge to their brains, it also helps form the people they become. Researching for a history paper, reading a wonderful book, finally understanding a mathematical formula, seeing a science experiment support a hypothesis, organizing ideas into a coherent essay, cooking something delicious by carefully following a recipe, shapes our children. Passions are realized, spiritual gifting is revealed. Deeper understanding of the world can bring forth anger, tears, or awe, and inspire students in ways they might never even realize. But using artificial intelligence to complete an assignment bypasses this type of positive formation and instead creates habits of dishonesty and laziness.

In the podcast, Andy Crouch has a wonderful conclusion that I think relates to one of the greatest strengths of homeschoolers. He says that students are tempted to cheat because “they don’t actually believe there is a teacher who loves them enough to care whether they get developed. They believe all their teacher wants is for them to show certain work to get a certain grade. But if they knew they were truly loved by that teacher, it would make all the difference.”

As Christian homeschoolers, this is our ace in the hole! Our students were born into the deep love of family and hopefully know their parents’ caring desire for them to learn, apply, and be formed by education. Not only that, but we have God’s help in training up our children in the way they should go. This is just one more opportunity to pray for discernment and guidance.

As the writer of Ecclesiastes says, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Cheating has been a temptation as long as humans have existed. Our job as parents is not new. Some kids will be tempted to use AI to cheat. We as parents must remain actively engaged in our children’s education so that we know they are doing their own work and learning well. We must also discuss these ideas and the dangers, both educational and spiritual, of cheating to get ahead, with our children. Chances are they already know what AI can do and crave our guidance.

Artificial intelligence invites much more discussion and discovery. This technology is still in its infancy, so it is hard to determine if it will be more detrimental or beneficial in the long run. Our job is to keep our eyes and hearts, and those of our children, on the One who knows all and will guide us into all truth.

 

by Mike Sedgwick, HCS School Board Member

The Spirituality of ChatGPT - podcast on Apple

The Spirituality of ChatGPT - podcast on Spotify

The Spirituality of ChatGPT - podcast on Audible

Ok people, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! I hope you all have your checklist of the gifts you plan on buying, the reservations at the restaurant you hope to go to, and any crafting supplies for something homemade from the kids. If you’re anything like me, you’ll unfortunately wait until the very last second and eagerly hope that the Amazon driver delivers your package before February 14th.

Whether you love Valentine's Day, dread it, or are somewhere in between, I want to encourage everyone to view this holiday in a way that the world has ignored: Be God’s Valentine.

God’s love for us is unmatched and meets every need that we could ever hope for.  While we celebrate our love for one another on Valentine’s Day, let’s take time to reflect that our Creator has chosen to love us: we are His daily Valentine.  The Bible is infused with God’s love for us and scriptural instruction on why and how to love, and this brings us hope and joy in our daily lives:

1 John 4:16: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

As we reflect during this holiday of love, let’s challenge ourselves to add to our Valentine’s Day activities and allow yourself to be God’s Valentine.  He loves you in such a unique way that only a Creator can.  

 

by Jake Womack, HCS Board of Directors Member

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